It’s not unusual for people in Houston, TX, who are sincere about fitness to combine several fitness programs, using one as their primary workout and the other to supplement it or as a recovery exercise. Pilates and yoga are two favorites. Which one provides the most benefits? Which is best for strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility? Which one helps the most with recovery? Both provide similar benefits, but if you’re looking for the best, you must dig further and uncover what makes them different.
Yoga started thousands of years ago.
Pilates is relatively new. Information about the origins of yoga isn’t exact. Most believe it started thousands of years ago as part of two Eastern religions, Buddhism and shamanism. Yoga is a mind, body, and spirit discipline that connects all three. When brought to the Western world, its purpose varied. Some people use it to connect to their spirit, as a fitness tool, to enhance mindfulness, and as a method to reduce anxiety and stress. It helps arthritis, respiratory conditions, MS, blood pressure control, and building strength, endurance, and flexibility.
Joseph Pilates started Pilates in 1920 as a rehab for wounded soldiers.
Pilates used some of the philosophies of yoga. It’s also body, mind, and spirit-based. Breathwork, as with yoga, is also part of the technique. It also works with centering, concentration, flow, and control. Unlike yoga, there is specialized equipment used occasionally. Pilates builds flexibility, balance, endurance, and strength. It improves posture and decreases pain, which were the original purposes. Studies found it beneficial for urinary incontinence, arthritis and back pain, joint injuries, and respiratory conditions.
Is Pilates better, or should you choose yoga?
There’s no correct answer. There are many types of Pilates and yoga. Some are better for people with specific health conditions. Some are better for fitness. Some yoga is excessively strenuous, even for those who are fit. Other yoga forms are created specifically for people who are out of shape or older and less flexible. Pilates also exists in many forms. One of the main differences among types of Pilates is whether or not you use equipment. Pilates seems to be the best choice for those with injuries as a therapy.
- Regardless of your choice, always check with your healthcare professional first to ensure it’s safe for your condition, especially if you’re pregnant. People with back and neck pain or respiratory difficulties should use a modified form of both.
- While both provide some strength-building benefits, they are best for improving flexibility. They can help prevent muscle injury when doing strength training by increasing the range of motion.
- Even though yoga developed as part of a religious and philosophical movement, most American programs focus solely on fitness. Before you sign up for any classes, talk to the instructors to ensure it’s right for you.
- Pilates is probably better for people who overuse their muscles. Joseph Pilates, the founder of the techniques, worked with dancers in New York to help them restore muscles after strenuous use.
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